Guardian Roots

H x W = 18 x 24”Acrylic on MasoniteMangrove trees are the natural guardians of coastlines. Unlike other plants, they thrive in salt water, and their roots serve as ecological nurseries and buffers against incoming storms. In recent years, our actions have threatened the mangrove’s habitat through clearing for development, increasing the salinity level past tolerance (by diverting river water for irrigation), pollution, and climate change.

In this painting, only one lone, windswept mangrove remains. Valiantly, it defends the shore with its ancient roots rising out of the furling waves while a roiling tsunami with the rage of a bull charges towards land.